NASCAR insider names driver to watch to replace Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports
The news of Corey LaJoie and Spire Motorsports going their separate ways shook the NASCAR world earlier this season, but a replacement still hasn’t been named for the veteran wheelman.
Spire is looking to take their team to the next level, citing the success of youngster Carson Hocevar in 2024, and the addition of crew chief Rodney Childers for 2025. The main question remains though, who will replace LaJoie in the No. 7? As part of his latest 2025 NASCAR lineup projections, FOX’s Bob Pockrass took a stab at predicting the future.
“Corey LaJoie was signed through next season but found out July 24 that he will not be driving for Spire. Justin Haley, whose performance at Rick Ware Racing has caught the attention of some big teams, remains the favorite to land this ride as he is not expected to return to RWR next season,” Pockrass wrote. “The team, whose relationships and partnerships include some crossover with both Hendrick and Trackhouse, has announced that current SHR crew chief Rodney Childers will crew chief the car next year with current crew chief Ryan Sparks concentrating on his role as competition director.”
If Spire is able to land Justin Haley, it would be a lauded move, as he’s shown some serious mettle during his 2024 season with Rick Ware Racing. Prior, he was driving for Kaulig Racing as they got acclimated to the Cup Series, and the team hasn’t been able to compete since Haley moved on.
As for LaJoie’s future, it’s being theorized that Haley and the current No. 7 wheelman could in-turn switch seats. If Rick Ware Racing needs a driver with Haley going to Spire, they could tab LaJoie to drive their car in 2025
“LaJoie has options,” Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported. “His name was linked to a championship-contending Truck Series team, but Rick Ware Racing is now viewed as the likely landing spot for the driver who turns 33 in a few weeks, according to multiple sources involved in the discussions.
“… Should LaJoie and RWR finalize a deal, RWR would get a driver who is great at cultivating potential sponsors, has shown the ability to overachieve with small teams, and knows how to help slowly build an organization. If RWR needs to replace Justin Haley, LaJoie would represent a worthy successor.”
As the 2024 season nears a close, we’re inching closer and closer to an official announcement from Spire Motorsports, Rick Ware Racing and the drivers who will join their teams in 2025. If this is the way it all shakes out, both teams might sign up for it at this point.